'I will be one of you' - Pablo Hernandez pens heartfelt open letter to Leeds United fans after Elland Road farewell

The 36-year-old playmaker was handed a starting spot by head coach Marcelo Bielsa in LS11 for the final day 3-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

Hernandez will depart West Yorkshire this summer after a five-year stay and leaves a legend having played a key role in earning promotion back to the Premier League after 16 years away.

El Mago - as he is affectionately known by supporters - said his final goodbyes and received a standing ovation from the 8,000 fans in attendance against the Baggies when he was substituted in the 70th minute

He has now penned a letter to the club shortly after the full-time whistle on an emotional last outing for the Whites.

"I knew this moment was coming but you are never prepared for it," he wrote, in a letter posted on social media by his wife.

"I am overwhelmed with all the support and love I have received in the past days.

"I wrote a goodbye letter but it keeps changing as days go by. So many things I want to say, so many things I am feeling at the moment.

"But all I know is it is not goodbye, it is see you soon!

"It has been five years where I have lived an incredible experience, five years I have laughed, cried and lived unforgettable moments.

"I am so proud to be part of this club's history.

"A club that has something special, where football is lived in a unique way.

"I cannot thank enough everyone who has helped me from day one, but I would like you to know that Pablo as a football player is leaving but Pablo as a person, a Leeds fan and a friend will continue here forever.

"I would live to say thank you to everyone involved in the club from the first to the last: managers, training staff, medical team, physios, kitmen, the cooks and everyone that works everyday at Thorp Arch, thank you!

"I would also like to say goodbye to all my teammates from those who shared the dressing room with me for a short period of time to those who have been by my side these five years.

"I would like you to know, we started as teammates but now I say goodbye as good friends.

"Thank you for your respect towards me on and off the field; in Spain, in Castellon, you have a family forever!

"And finally, I want to say goodbye to all the fans. Words don't come easy to thank you for everything you have given me. My family and I have felt your affection from the first day to the last.

"I have never imagined I could receive so much support.

"Remember from now on, I will be one of you, always cheering for Leeds United, always Marching On Together from a distance.

"See you Soon! Pablo."